Portable grease pump



Nov 20, 1934.

QHAiRiS ET AL PORTABLE GREASE PUMP Filed July 27, 19:51

5 Sheets-Sheet 1 T N E V m.

K WT'TORNEYS Patented Nov. 20, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PORTABLEGREASE PUMP Cleo Harris and Clyde G. Butler, Cincinnati, Ohio,

assignors to The Cincinnati Ball Crank Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, acorporation of Ohio Application July 27, 1931, Serial No. 553,297

Claims. (Cl. 221-95) This invention relates to lubricant pumps and inthe device for accomplishing the above result. is particularly directedto improvements in that Other objects and certain advantages will betype of pump disclosed in the Bell Patent No. more fully apparent fromthe description of the R 1,736,644. The patent discloses a pneumaticallyaccompanying drawings, in which:

* operated transfer pump in which the primary fea- Figure 1 is a generalview of the portable transture consists in the utility of the pump forapplifer pump showing it mounted relative to the origcation to andremoval of grease from original inal container, the original containerbeing broken containers. The pumps of this class are of portaway formore fully illustrating the pump. able character and are of a compactstructure Figure 2 is a sectional view taken on line 19 capable of beingeasily carried about and readily 22, Figure 1, generally detailing theinterior of inserted into the original grease container through thepump. the standard opening thereof for the purpose of Figure 3 is asectional view taken on line 3-3, transferring the contents of thecontainer directly Figure 2, illustrating the air by-pass valve at theto the point of use. base of the pump.

15 It is an object of this invention to provide an Figure 4 is asectional view taken on line 44, improved transfer pump which ispneumatically Figure 2, illustrating the operating means for theoperated and of generally slender and compact pump including the aircontrol mechanisms for structure for ready insertion through theconreversal of the piston. ventional opening in the top of an originalgrease Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5--5,

' container and which includes an improved air Figure 4. 76

control means for operating the piston which Figure 6 is a fragmentaryenlarged view of the means is compactly arranged and is effective forlower end of the pump illustrating the air byproducing rapid andefficient constant pump oppass valve in operation.

eration delivering grease uniformly at high pres- Figure '7 is a viewtaken similar to Figure 6,

sure and in suitable quantity. but showing the pump in normal operation,

It is another object of this invention to provide wherein the airby-pass valve is inoperative for an improved means for adjustablyattaching the preventing eflicient pumping operation of the pump to thetop of the container with the pump mechanism. depending from themounting to the extreme Figure 8 is a view taken similar to Figures 6 39lower regions of the original container for efiecand 'l, but showingmodified form of air by-pass tively pumping substantially the entirecontents valve. therefrom. Figure 9 is a transverse sectional viewthrough An her je r l tes to h pr vi i n of an the lower end of the pumpcylinder below the improved air valve operating mechanism with pumpingpiston for illustrating another modifica- 35 this type of pump wherebythe air motor cannot tion of the air by-passing valve. stall and thereversal of the piston occurs posi- Figure 10 is a transverse sectionalview taken tively and accurately and whereby its strokes are below thepumping piston illustrating a third uniform d regular. the features ofimprovemodification of the air by-pass valve. merit extending also tothe durability of the valve Figure 11 is a sectional view taken on line40 and valve seat. 11'-11, Figure 10, further detailingthe valve of 5The improved transfer pump of this invention Figure 10, s n arranged toinclude a te in O der Figure 12 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional thatthe grease taken from the original container view of the pump outletbetween the pump and may be accurately measured for determining the themeter, illustrating a fourth modification of amount served or forchecking the contents of the air by-pass valve.

the original container. This metered service Figure 13 is a top planview of the valve elecalls for the provision of a device for preventingment 148. the pumping of air and short measure of grease The improvedportable grease pump is of as regulated by the various statedepartments. slender character so as to be conveniently and 59 It is,therefore, another object of this invention easily inserted into thestandard commercial 5 to provide a device which renders the pumpingrease container through the average opening and effective for pumpingair whereby the air in the for this purpose includes a generally coaxialargrease is readily by-passed and wherein under no rangement of themajor parts. A pumping cylincircumstances can the air reach the meter.This der 20 is secured on the lower end of a long disobject includes thefactor of extreme simplicity charge tube 21, fixed at its upper end tothe 11 casing 22 of any air motor unit 23, which air motor casing housesthe air control mechanisms for the motor. A pumping piston 24 is locatedat the lower end of the discharge tube operating within the pumpcylinder and is in operative contact with the piston 25 of the air motorthrough the discharge tube, by means of a piston rod 26.

This pump unit is depended into the original container 27 through theopening 28 thereof and is adjustably sustained by means of a closure andsupport device 29. The container 27 illustrated is 'of the conventionaldrum type. The closure and support device 29 includes a circular closureplate 30 having a circular depending flange 31 and adapted 'to fit overthe top of the container with the flange 31 fitting over the edgethereof. This plate has a central aperture 32 extended upwardly by meansof a split sleeve 33 designed to encircle the tube and to be slidablethereon.

The split portion of the sleeve is traversed by a draw bolt 34which maybe tightened to set the closure and support device 29 in place when thetube has been adjusted-to the depth of the particular tank or containerfor entirely or substan tially emptying the container of grease.

The grease drum or container opening is thus entirely closed to preventthe entrance of dirt into the grease. The closure plate 30 is secured inplace by means of a plurality of hook bolts 35 depending throughopenings 36 and adapted to be hooked under the depending flange 37 aboutthe opening of the container and tightened by means of wing nuts 38screwed into their upper ends.

The openings through which the hook bolts extend may be in the form ofradial slots or may be large enough to permit some shifting of the hookbolts by utilizing washers 38a under the wing nuts as shown.

The air motor for actuating the pumping piston is effective forproducing pumping or forcing strokes under air pressure and a springmeans is effective for return of the piston.

In this instance it is so arranged that the pumping strokes of thepiston moves the grease upwardly through a hollow or tubular lower end39 of the piston rod 26. The pumping piston 24 is assembled on the lowerend of the piston rod by means of a headed sleeve 40' screwed into thebore of the piston rod at the lower end thereof and securing oppositelyturned gaskets 41 of the piston against the lower end of the piston rod,

these gaskets being spaced by means of a washer The headed sleeveincludes'an upwardly disposed valve seat 43 and has a ball valve 44enlarged against the seat, as formed by a converging bore wall at thelower end of the sleeve 40. The ball is preferably held against the seatby means of a coil spring 45 under compression between the ball and theupper end or the bore of the piston rod. As will be apparent the springcompresses and the valve opens to downward stroke of the pumping piston.The grease passes through the tubular lower end of the piston rod and isdischarged upwardlyand outwardly through a port or ports 46 extendingfrom the interior of the hollow piston rod into the tube 21 above thepumping cylinder for discharge upwardly through the tube. An air by-passvalve is provided below the pumping piston, the construction of whichwill be described in detail hereinafter.

The piston rod 26 is slidably mounted at its lower end within thecentral bore of a tube closure cap 47 which is threaded into the lowerend of the tube and provides the board intermediate wall for guiding thepiston rod. This element 47 also functions as a coupling device wherebythe pumping cylinder 20 is screwed thereon. This closure cap or couplingmeans also serves for maintaining the piston return spring 48 inposition of compression within the tube. The piston return spring 48 ismaintained under adjustable compression downwardly against the closurecap by means of a nut 49 screwed onto the piston rod and an invertedthimble 50 is inserted at the lower end of the tube, the thimble fittingsnugly within the tube and resting upon the shoulder provided by theinserted upper end of the assembly sleeve, the fitting at this pointbeing by means of a counterturned portion 51 on the thimble fitting overthe inserted and of the sleeve. A cotter pin 52 maintains the nut 49 inset position.

A gasket 54 is held between the coupling element or cap 47 and thethimble and is engaged about the piston rod at the point where ittraverses the coupling element or cap 47 for sealing the sliding rod atthis point. Since the thimble 50 surrounds the piston red at the pointof grease discharge outlet 46 of the hollow rod, the thimble includesoutlet ports 53 in its upper end for permitting flow of grease directlyinto the tube.

For the purpose of preventing the vacuum which would occur at the top ofthe piston 24 within' the pumping cylinder 20, a series of radiallydisposed apertures 55 are provided through the pump cylinder wallpermitting the grease to enter above the piston.

By the arrangement of parts described at the base of the gun, it will beapparent that the assembly oi the pump at this point is extremelyeflicient.

With the piston rod in place within the tube, the piston return spring48 is inserted against the nut 49 and the thimble 50 and gasket areplaced upon the coupling sleeve or closure cap 4'7, the coupling sleeveor cap 4'7 thereupon be ing screwed into the lower end of the tubethereby compressing the return spring into position whereupon it isconveniently possible to attach the parts of the piston 24 to the rod 26and to screw the pumping cylinder 20 into position about the pumppiston.

An inlet valve is provided for the pumping cylinder at its extreme lowerend which valve is adapted to open on upstroke or intake stroke of thepiston and to close on downstroke or discharge stroke. Sincethis valvemay be included with the-air by-pass valve or may be separate, thedetailed description thereof is given hereinafter.

The piston rod at its upper end is slidably mounted in the lower end ofthe air motor casing 22. The air motor casing isinthree parts,including, an air motor cylinder section 56, a

lower cylinder head section 57, which slidably flcient length forcarrying the discharge to the point of service. A suitable valvemechanism and manual control 6 3. is included at the outer end of thedischarge hose for controlled delivery of the grease. The valve andcontrol are not illustrated in detail herein since this apparatus formsthe subject matter of a separate invention.

The piston rod 26 is sectional including two sections which arepivotally joined. The lower end of the upper section 64 is bifurcatedand the end of the lower section 65 extends into the bifurcations and ispivotally secured in place therein by means of a cross pin 66. A packinggland 67 is screwed into the head 57 for sealing the sliding rod withinthe head.

The piston rod is made sectional receiving the nut 49 on thescrew-threaded portion thereof, the lower section being counterturnedover its major portion with the exception of its lower slidably mountedend. The piston section 64 and the lower end of the section 65 are ofthe same diameter whereby the pressure imparted to the upper section 64through contact with the piston 25 of the air motor is effective overthe same area in the lower end of the section 65. It will be observedthat this would not be true if the counterturned upper end of the lowersec tion were in contact with the air motor piston.

The piston rod assembly 26 extends into the air motor cylinder and theair motor piston 25 engages against its upper end. The air motor pistonincludes a pair of discs 68 screwed together upon a gasket 69 whichengages the walls of the cylinder and is disposed upwardly for action ofthe air thereagainst from above. The elements of the piston are clampedupon the head of the piston rod '70 for the air motor piston whichextends upwardly through the upper disc and is slidably mounted throughthe upper cylinder head 58. A packing gland 71 is provided at the pointwhere the piston rod '70 traverses the cylinder head 58 for sealing thecylinder at this point.

The air is supplied to the air motor 23 through a pipe '72 extendingfrom the main supply conduit '73, this pipe '72 connecting to the upperend of the air motor casing. A valve '74 is mounted in the passageway 75to which the pipe '72 connects. This passageway 75 extends from thevalve downwardly through the upper cylinder head and enters the airmotor cylinder above the piston. The opening and closing of the valve isautomatically controlled by the movement of the air motor piston throughits piston rod which actuates a toggle mechanism, the toggle mechanismacting upon the stem 76 of the valve '74 which stem is slidably mountedwithin the casing in the position parallel to the piston rod 70.

The valve stem '76 has a screw-threaded counterturned upper end uponwhich is screwed the valve element. The valve element 74 is held againstthe shoulder formed by the counterturn by means of a sleeve nut 7'7screwed onto the threaded portion from above. Two valve seat elementsare provided, one 78 above the other 79 below the valve element, thelower one functioning to cut off the air supply during the exhauststroke of the air motor and the upper through which the valve stempasses, provides ample clearance for the passage of air, the airentering this bore through radial apertures 82 and a circumferentialgroove 83 which is supplied from the radially extended air supplypassageway 75.

The upper valve seat element is spaced from the lower valve seat elementby means of a spacer sleeve 84 encircling the valve element 74' andproviding ample clearance for movement of the valve thereof and airpassage. The upper valve seat element includes a flange .85 resting uponthe upper end of the casing about the bore and a central bore clearingthe valve assembly to permit air exhaust upwardly from the valvechamber.

The valve seats 78, 79 and the spacersleeve 84 are held in position ofassembly by means of an acorn nut 87 screwed onto the casing and. uponthe flange 85 of the upper valve seat. This nut includes a series ofradially disposed exhaust ports 88. Packing 89 is provided under therespective heads of the valve seat elements where they abut the casing.The valve is adapted to move between the opposing and spaced seats thusprovided, the seats proper being provided in both instances by circularbosses or raised portions on the respective elements.

In the instance of the upper valve seat to prevent undue wear of theseat and to provide a positive seal when the air is being supplied tothe air motor, the seat combines metal and leather, rubber or someyieldable composition. For this reason a circular or annular lip 90 isextended from the valve seat element and a washer 91 equal in thicknessto the height of the lip is disposed around the same and engaged againstthe under side of the valve seat element. Thus, when the valve '74engages this seat, the contact with the metal and the leather issimultaneous. Great durability and a positive seal for the valve arethus provided. I

The intermediate or spacer sleeve 84 is radially ported as at 92 and isgrooved medially exteriorly as at 93 to provide passage for the airwhich passage communicates with the main air passageway to the air motorcylinder. The movement of the air motor piston rod 70 is effective foractuating the valve controlling toggle mechanism and for this purpose iscounterturned intermediate its length to provide opposing shoulders 94,

94, which shoulders are adapted to alternately engage the toggle.

The toggle elements are engaged to provide a knuckle adjacent the pistonrod 70. The respective links 95, 96 of the toggle are pivotally mountedat their outer ends, one of the pivotal mountings being floating andyieldable to permit forced movement of the toggle past dead center 1rounded ends 97 of its arms engaged in semicir- &

cular grooves formed in offset portions disposed intermediate of thelength of the other toggle link 96.

The other toggle link comprises arms respectively disposed at oppositesides of the piston rod 70. The rounded inner ends 98 of the arms of thelink 96 are disposed between the arms of the first mentioned toggle link95 and the outer ends are pivotally mounted on a pivot pin 99 disposedwithin the swinging end of a pivot bracket link 100 which is pivoted atits lower end in the casing on a pin 100. The swinging bracket 100includes a pair of side arms and a cross plate 101. The cross plateportion is engaged by one end of a coil spring 102 under compressionextending .toggle to the opposite-side.

center, with the rounded swinging ends =98 of the toggle links 96actively engaged against either an upper shoulder 105 or a lowershoulder 106 of the valve stem formed by a counterturned portion in thesame.

The toggle is designed to act rapidly underthe action of the spring.When the air motor piston is at its upper position as shown in Figure 5,the lower shoulder-94 of the piston rod is engaging the toggle links;having forced the same p t dead center toward that .side, 'and' the sging ends 98 of the toggle links 96 having engaged-the upper shoulder105 on the valve stem thereby-moving the valve into seated position onits upper seat to permit supplyof air above the piston and a powerstroke thereof.

-As the power stroke takes place, the piston moves downwardly under theaction of the compressed air moving a distance which is governed by thedistance between the shoulders 94, 94 of the piston rod until the uppershoulder 94 of the piston rod engages the toggle at the knuckle thereof.The power piston continuing downwardly forces the toggle by contacttherewith at the point of the knuckle downwardly to dead centercompressing the spring 102 and storing up energy therein for a quickvalve actuation. The moment the toggle passes dead center, the spring102 under compression rapidly forces the This swings the swinging ends98 of the link parts 96 against the lower shoulder 106 of the valve stemand delivers a quick blow thereto which rapidly moves the valve to thelower seat thereby cutting off the air supply and permitting exhaustthrough the supply passageway from-.above the piston as the returnspring 48 acts from below.

It will be observed that the opening and closing of the valve on eitherside is accomplished rapidly, insuring positive uniform strokes of thepiston. There is no opportunity for the valve to pause between theseats,, movement taking place so rapidly that the pump cannot be stoppedwith the valve at rest intermediate its seats. The toggle acts todeliver a quick blow to the valve plunger, this blow being deliveredunder the accumulation of force in the spring 102, it

A being apparent that the valve is not pushed open but is snapped open.

It will be observed by considering the area of valve surfaces exposed tothe air as compared to the area of the passages between the valve andseat that the air is always effective for closing the valve against therespective seats whether it be inlet or exhaust. This is necessary forthe air must hold the valve closed while the toggle is travellingbetween the shoulders 105, 106 and up until the time the toggle snapspast dead center and actuates the valve and maintains the same in closedposition under the action of the spring. In other words, this conditionwhen the valve is being held closed by the air pressure, must take placeduring the time when either the upper or lower shoulder of the pistonrod has engaged the toggle and is moving it to dead center, at whichtime the swinging ends 98 of toggle link parts 96 have been moved out ofcontact with the respective shoulders 105, 106 of the valve stem. It isof course apparent that the air will be auxiliarly effective for holdingthe valve in open or closed position even when the toggle is effectivefor this purpose.

The lower region of the air motor cylinder below the piston 25 is opento the atmosphere through a pipe 107 screwed into the lower end of thecylinder through the cylinder head and depending into the tank throughan opening 108 in the closure means. This prevents formation of a vacuumin the cylinder and permits the return to the tank of any greaseescaping into the cylinder from the grease discharge tube.

For the purpose of safety to the equipment, a grease operated valve isprovided for stopping the air supply when the line pressure is toogreat. This is necessary for the reason thatthe air pressures suppliedto the gun will vary considerably depending entirely upon the conditionsat theparticular station. It would be damaging to the equipment if theair pressure were too great due to the excessive pressure created in thegrease discharge line and the strain on the working parts of the airmotor. Moreover, in cases where the grease discharge line is closed overtoo'long a period with the pump working or where the line is clogged,excessive pressures will develop and it is of importance to provide forautomatic discontinuance of the air supply to the pump.

' For the purpose of this grease operated valve, the air supply line 73is attached to the hub at the extreme lower end of the air motor casingand above the upper end of the grease discharge tube. This air supplyline includes a manually operated valve 109 for arbitrarily starting andstopping the pump.

has the air supply hose 73 attached to a thread-- ed nipple 113 thereofby means of a coupling 114 and an air filter 115 is attached in placebetween the coupling 114 and the valve body.

The valve body 112 has a bore 116 extending therethrough from the airinlethose 73 to the rubber diaphragm and a discharge port 117 extendsradially from the valve chamber portion of this bore to which dischargeport the continuation 72 of the air line is attached by means of aconventional fltting 118.

The valve 119 comprises a plunger 120 having a conical outer end andhaving its inner end riveted within a thimble 121, the thimble havingsliding flt within the valve chamber bore and engaged against the rubberdiaphragm. A wall is provided in the valve body bore providing a smallcentral aperture axially aligned with the valve plunger and entered bythe conical end thereof for the purpose of providing a valve seat 122.

A light coil spring'123 under compression between this wall and thethimble normally maintains the valve away from its seat and against theflexible diaphragm permitting the air to flow under normal conditions,when the main valve 109 is open, through the valve chamber and to thevalve of the air motor. The moment the presrubber diaphragm flexing thesame outwardlyagainst the valve. This slides the valve and closes thesame by contact of the conical tip with its seat thus cutting oi! theair supply.

As detailed-in Figures 6 and 7, and illustrated at the bottom'of thepump in Figure 2, an air bypass valve is provided in conjunction withthe inlet control for the pump cylinder 20. For this purpose a valvecarrier 124 is screwed into the lower end of the pump cylinder, thisvalve carrier including a plurality of slots 125 in its lower edge forentrance of the grease when the valve carrier or body has been disposedin contact with the bottom of the grease tank. A conical coil spring 126under compression is mounted within the valve carrier and is undercompression between a filter disc 127 and a valve support and springretainer 128. The bore 129 housing the spring is conical, the element128 being mounted in its small upper end and including a conical wallportion engaging the wall of the bore and a straight wall portion, thelatter being extended above the top of the valve carrier. This element128 is open as at 130 for the purpose of permitting grease flowtherethrough.

The filter disc 127 includes a circular metal binding or frame 131 and acircular sheet of screening material 132. The filter is held in placewithin an annular groove 133 at the lower end of the conical bore bymeans of a spring clip 134 engaged in an annular groove beneath thefilter disc.

The combined inlet and air by-pass valve 135 is of circular plate ordisc form and is disposed within a valve chamber above the valve carrierformed by a counterbore 136 in the lower end of the pump cylinder. Thevalve slidably engages the walls of this counterbore and includes slots137 in its edge for the passage of grease. A raised valve seat 138 isformed on the upper surface of the valve carrier being, of a smallenough outside diameter so as to be engaged by the valve within thesolid portion of the valve exclusive of the slots.

The upper shoulder 139 formed by the counterbore of the cylinder isinclined and the valve may move against the lower edge of the shoulderwithout interfering with the passage of grease through the slots asoccurs on the intake or upward stroke of the piston. Under normalpumping condition with the pump cylinder full of grease,as drawn in onthe intake stroke, when the down or discharge stroke of the piston takesplace and the grease is being discharged upwardly through the center ofthe piston rod, the valve 135 will be forced against the cage or springretainer 128 and will force the valve support and spring re-' tainerelement 128 downwardly against the spring therebeneath until the valveengages the seat 138 formed on the upper surface of the valve carrierthus closing the valve against back flow of grease, this condition beingshown'in Figure 7.

However, if it should occur that air'has been drawn into the pumpcylinder, the valve will assume the position shown in Figurelfi, thatis, will be forced down under air pressure against the valve support andspring retainer and will, if there is any air in the cylinder, stop atthis point. This happens because it is impossible to compress the airsufficiently for opening the discharge valve 44 in the piston rod whenthere is an outlet for the air.

The down stroke of the piston therefore is ineifective for closing thevalve 135 against the action of the spring under the valve support andspring retainer 128 which therefore forms astop or initial seat. The airwill then be forced'o'u under the valve through the slots of the valvesupport 128 and back into the container. It is necessary that'there be asolid mass or grease within the pump cylinder before the valvewill Tullyclose. In the event that air becomes col-.

lected around the base of the pump, the effect of the pumping pistonwill be to pass the air back and forth through the valve withouteffective pumping action.

A modified device for preventing pumping of air'is shown in Figure 8. Inthis form an inlet valve is provided independently of the air by-passvalve. The inlet valve consists of a ball valve 140 supported within avalve seat element 141 screwed into the lower end of the pumpcylinder'which positively stops the back flow of the contents of thecylinder and compels discharge upwardly through the tube on the downstroke of the piston. This ball valve is retained within its seatelement against the suction action by means of a cross pin 142. e 1

The grease screenor filter 127 is attached at the extreme lower end ofthe pump cylinder by means of a sleeve 143'having an intumed flange 144engaging the filter 127, the sleeve being screwed onto the end of thecylinder for clamping the screen in position. This sleeve includes theclearance slots 125 mentioned heretofore.

, The air by-pass device in this form is screwed into the side of thecylinder below the range of the pumping stroke of the piston. A valvebody 144 is provided in two sections for assembly purposes, these partsbeing screwed together. The assembled body provides a passagewayextending therethrough which-includes an intermediate shoulder affordinga valve seat 145 and a series of radially disposed inlet ports 146 atthe inner side of the seat. A ballvalve 147 is contained within thechamber at the inner side of the seat and is adapted to engagethereagainst. A coil spring 148 is provided between the ball valve andshoulder 149 at the outer end of the bore for maintaining the ball valveagainst a seat 150 formed by a flange at the inner end of the valvepassageway. Normally if thereis solid grease in the pump cylinder boththe air by-pass valve and the inlet valve will be forced closed underthe solid pressure imparted by the grease, (see position shown in Figure8). However, ii there is any air present, the ball valve of the airby-pass device will not close against the pressure of the spring 148 andthe air will pass through the ports 146 and be discharged through theside of the cylinder. Therefore, in the same way as in the precedingform, the valve in the piston rod will not open for grease supply unlessthere is solid grease within the cylinder.

In Figure 9, another modified form of by-pass valve for controlling thepump to eliminate pumping of. air separate from the inlet valve, isdisclosed. In this instance the valve is disposed diametrically acrossthe pump cylinder below the piston and below the range of its strokes.The arrangement of the device provides a double valve, there being apair of aligned valve elements 151 having telescopically engaged innerstems 152 and outer stems 153 slidably mounted in cross walls 154 of thesleeves 155 screwed into the opposite sides of the cylinder wall.

The cross walls 154 of the sleeves are ported as at 156 so as to permitby-passing of grease therethrough from the interior of the cylinder backinto the grease container. The seating portions of the valve are in theform of circular discs 157' normally maintained slightly clear of theseats formed by the inner ends of the respective sleeves, by means of acoil spring 158 under tension tending to pull the valves together,thesetion of the spring being limited by means of cross pins 159 in theouter stems 153 of the valves abutup be apparent that if there is anyair in the cylinder it will he forced out into the tank through thisclearance and it will be impossible to develop a pressure on the airsufiicient for overcoming the resistance of the spring and closing thevalves. However, if the cylinder is solidly filled with grease, the downstroke of the piston will compact the grease against the valves andclose the same by sliding them relative to each other, the discsabutting the inner ends of the sleeve 155 thereby effectively closingthe valve outlet ports.

Another form of independent air by-pass valve is detailed in Figures 10and 11. The valve in this case is designed to close a radial by-passport 161 in the cylinder 20 below the range of the piston and consistsof an expansible split band 162 slightly deformed inwardly from the truecircle of the cylinder bore. One end of this metal band is secured tothe inner wall of the cylinder by means of a screw 163 and nut 164 andthe other end is disposed over the discharge port being spaced inwardlyfrom the wall at this point providing clearance in back of the band,through which clearance the air may pass. However, if there is no airpresent, the effect of the solid grease pressure is to spring the bandinto a perfect circle fiat against the circular wall of the cylinder andfirmly contact the same about the by-pass opening 161 closing the same,whereby the pump is effective for discharging grease in the normalmanner through the meter.

In Figure 12 another modification of the air bypass means isillustrated. In this case a by-pass valve is placed above the pumppiston in the dis-- charge line just in front of the meter. For thispurpose of diverting the air from the meter a fitting 165 constituting avalve body is inserted between the pump and the meter. The directpassageway 166 tothe meter in this valve body includes a ball valve 167maintained against a seat 168 within the passageway, against dischargeof.

air, by a coil spring 169 maintained under compression aga nst the ballvalve by means of a sleeve nut 170 screwed into the valve body.

A conduit 171 is extended from the valve body passageway down the pumptube for return back into the tank, this conduit being a by-passorreturn line for any air passed into the valve body by the pump. A ballvalve 1'72 is included in the valve body passageway to this conduit,being ma ntained away from its seat 172 by means of a coil spring 174under compression urging the ball against a cross pin 175. The spring isheld in place by the fittings 176 which attach the conduit 171 to thevalve fitting body.

In the case of this by-passage valve, the ball valve 172 is maintainedoff its seat by the action of its spring and is moved against its seatby the action of solid grease pressure within the passageway. Therefore,in case there is solid grease being passed into the meter, the mainvalve 167 will be forced off its seat by the passage of the grease andthe by-pass valve 172 will be forced against its seat for closing theby-passage. Should there be air in the discharge, the solid action ofthe grease will be lacking and the main valve 167 will be held againstits seatby itsspring which is computed to resist omning of the valveagainst the lower pressures afforded by slightly compressed air which isescaping at the time.

I The lack of solid grease will cause a failure to close the bypassvalve and the air will pass around the same and will be returned to thetank. The respective spring strengths may be computed to give the bestresults and resistances to the particular pressures. Likewise, thespacing of the by-pass valve from its seat for the by-passing of air iscomputed on test to permit escape of air without disturbing the valve.This last mentioned form of by-pass valve, the use of the valve 167 inthe discharge conduit, may or may not eliminate the valve 44 in thepumping piston rod.

Having described our invention, we claim:

1. In a grease pump, an air motor, a pumping cylinder, a piston in saidpumping cylinder connected to said air motor, an air supply pipeconnected to said air motor, a discharge conduit for said pumpingcylinder, said air supply pipe and said grease discharge tube adjacentlydisposed at one point, a slidable air valve inthe air supply pipe atsaid point, and a diaphragm interposed between said air supply pipe andsaid grease discharge tube and engaging said air valve and acted on bythe grease in the discharge conduit for closing said valve.

2. In a grease pump, operating means, a pump cylinder, a pumping pistonin said pump cylinder, a piston rod for said piston extended to saidoperating means for actuation therefrom, a tube extended from said airmotor for housing said piston rod and slidably mounting the lower endthereof, said pump cylinder removably attached to the lower end of saidtube.

3. In a grease pump, operating means, a pump cylinder, a pump piston insaid pump cylinder, a piston rod for said piston extended to saidoperating means for actuation therefrom, a tube housing said piston rod,said pump cylinder removably attached to the lower end of said closuretube in axial alignmenttherewith, said cylinder detachable from thelower end of said closure tube entirely independently of the remainderof the pump.

4. In a grease pump, operating means, a pump cylinder, a pump piston insaid pump cylinder, a piston rod for said piston extended to saidoperating means for actuation therefrom, a tube depending from saidoperating means, housing said piston rod and slidably mounting the lowerend thereof, said pump cylinder removably attachable to the' lower endof said closure tube, an inlet valve in said cylinder, said piston rodhaving a hollow lower end, an outlet valve in the lower end of saidpiston rod and said piston rod having an outlet port for discharge ofthe grease from the hollow lower end of the rod into the tube.

5. In a grease pump, operating means, a pump cylinder, a pumping pistonin said cylinder, a piston rod for said piston extended to saidoperating means for actuation therefrom in one direction, a tube housingsaid piston rod, a journal sleeve attached to the lower end of said formoving the piston in the other direction,

said pump cylinder attached tol'said journal sleeve.

6. In a grease pump, a pump cylinder includ- .valve in the inletinoperative for'closing and said outlet valve inoperative for openingduring discharge strokes of the piston when air has been drawn into thecylinder. I

7. In a grease pump, a pump cylinder including a valve controlled inletand an outlet, apumping piston in said cylinder, operating means foractuating said piston, and a by-pass means including a valve sensitiveto solid grease pressure for closing and non-sensitive to air pressuresfor closing whereby the air passes through.

8. In a grease pump, an air' motor, a pumpconnected to said air motor,an air supply pipe connected to said air motor, a discharge conduit forsaid pumping cylinder, said air supply pipe and said grease dischargetube adjacently disposed at one point, a slidable air control valve inthe air supply pipe at said point, a diaphragm separating said greasedischarge conduit and said air supply pipe, and a spring normallymaintaining said valve in open position against the diaphragm wherebyexcessive pressure in the grease will actuate the diaphragm and slidethe valve into closed position.

9. In a grease pump, a pumping cylinder, a pumping piston in saidcylinder, inlet and outlet ports for said cylinder, and valves for'therespective ports, said cylinder having diametrically disposed by-passopenings therein, a pair of valve elements, means for slidably mountingsaid valve elements within said openings, valve seats formed in saidmeans, said openings including valve seats, spring means under tensionadapted to maintain the valve elements away from said seats, the normalopening past the respective valve elements being of less area than thevalve surface adapted to be acted upon by the contents of the cylinder,whereby the valves will close under full grease pressure but will remainopen if air is present in the cylinder.

10. In a grease pump, a pumping cylinder, a pumping piston in saidcylinder, inlet and, outlet ports for said cylinder, saidcylinder'having diametrically related by-pass openings therein, a pairof valve elements having stems telescopically engaged for slidingmovement coaxially, means for slidably mounting said elements withinsaid opening, said openings including valve seats, a spring undertension adapted to maintain the valve elements in positions away fromsaid seats, the normal opening past the respective valve, elements ofless area than the valve surface adapted to be acted upon by thecontents of the cylinder, whereby the valves will close under fullgrease pressure but will remain open if air is present in the cylinder.

11. In combination with a pumping cylinder and a pumping piston,including, valve controlled inlet and outlet ports for the intake anddischarge strokes of the piston respectively; an expansible split banddisposed within the cylinder circumferentially thereof and be ow therange of the piston, said split band having one end attached to thecylinder wall andhaving its site end normally spaced from the wall ofthe cylinder, and said cylinder including a by-pass opening disposedadjacentthe spaced end of the-split band, whereby said splitband isadaptedunder 30 normal pumping of grease under pressure to Ispringoutwardly and to be engaged against the cylinder wall about theopeningforclosing the opening, but permits. air to pass out through theu by-pass' opening without expansion. 30

12. In a grease pump, a pumping cylinder,- a pumping-piston, valvecontrolled inlet-andoutlet ports for the intake and discharge strokes ofthe piston respectively, an expansible 'elementmounted within thecylinder circumferentially thereof and belowhthe range of thepiston,said element normally maintained in spaced position fromthe wall .of thecylinder, said cylinder including a radial'opening disposed adjacentsaid expansible engaged against'thecylinder wall for, closing theopening, but is not actuated by air pressure. ing cylinder, a piston insaid pumping cylinder 13. In combination with a pumping cylinder and apumping piston therein, including, inlet and outlet passageways, andvalves for the respective passageways; a valve element disposed betweenthe pumping piston and the inlet port, a spring urging said valveelement'for normally maintaining the inlet valve in opened position andsaid spring effective for resisting closing. action from within unlesssolid grease pressure is exerted against the valve.

14. In a grease pump, apumping. cylinder, a pumping piston therein,inlet. and outlet ports for said cylinder, an outlet valve and a seattherefor, an inlet valve, a valve control element disposed within theinlet port, a seat for said inlet valve,

a spring urging. said valve control element into position beyond saidvalve seat and said spring efiectivefor resisting closing-action of thevalve against its seat unless solid grease pressure is ex ertedthereagainst, whereby air is'adapted to pass out between the inlet valveand seat,

15. In a grease pump, a pumping cylinder, a pumping piston therein,valve controlled inlet and outlet passageways, said inlet valve of discform, a seat for said inlet valve, a valve control element disposed .inthe inlet port beneath said inlet valve, a spring urging said valvecontrol 7 element against said inlet valve, and an abutment formed insaid inlet port for limiting movement of said valve control element toslight projection above the inletvalve seat, whereby the spring-urgedelement normally maintains said in- 30 let valve slightly off its seatand is effective for preventing closingthereof unless solid greasepressure is exerted against said inlet valve.

' 16. In combination with a pumping cylinder and-a piston therein,including, valve controlled 3 inlet .and outlet ports, a dischargepassageway,

a grease meter in said discharge passageway, bypass means before saidmeter adapted to remain open when air is contained within the cylinderand adaptedto close when the piston is effective 14C for a pumpingstroke against solid grease.

17. In agrease pump, a cylinder, a pumping piston in said cylinder, anoutlet port, an inlet port,

a valve in the outlet port opening to discharge stroke, a valve in theinlet port closing to discharge stroke, spring-urged means for normallysustaining said latter valve slightly off its seat whereby the contentsof the cylinder may be bypassed around said latter valve in the eventthat it is impossible to develop a solid grease pressure withinthecylinder capable of overcoming thesaid piston and extending to theoperating means for actuation therefrom, a tube attached to saidoperating means and supporting said pumping cylinder, valve means andports in said cylinder and piston for permitting intake 0! grease on theup stroke of the piston and discharge upwardly through the piston rodandtube 'on the down stroke of the piston, said valve means inoperative forclosing on the down stroke of the piston when air is pocketed in thecylinder.

19. In combination with a pump including inlet and ofitlet ports andvalves for the respective ports; said valve for said inlet portcomprising a disc, a seat element, a valve control element in the inletport, and a spring normally maintaining said valve at a level slightlyabove the seat, said valve control element including ports forthepassage of grease, and said spring of a strength suitable i'orresisting engagement of the valve control element on its seat unlesssolid grease pressure is active against said inlet valve.

20. In a grease pump, a pumping cylinder, a pumping piston in saidcylinder, an inlet port for said cylinder, an inlet valve in said port,a discharge passageway for said pumping cylinder, an outlet valve insaid discharge passageway, a by-passage extending from said dischargepassageway in front oi said outlet valve, a by-passage control valveincluding a seat, and a spring for maintaining said by-passage controlvalve in unseated position unless solid grease pressure is exertedagainst said by-pass valve and said outlet valve.

21. In a grease-pump, a pumping cylinder, a pumping piston in saidcylinder, an inlet port for said cylinder, an inlet valve in said port,a discharge passageway for said pumping cylinder, an outlet valve insaid discharge passageway adiacent said cylinder, a secondoutlet controlvalve in said discharge passageway beyond the pump, a by-passageextending from said discharge passageway in front of said latter outletvalve, a meter disposed in the grease discharge line beyond said latteroutlet valve, a by-passage control valve including a seat, and a springfor maintaining said by-pass control valve in unseated position unlesssolid grease pressure is exerted against said by-pass'valve and saidlatter outlet valve.

22. In a grease pump including an inlet port and an outlet port, valvescontrolling the respective ports, a by-pass valve mounted in thecylinder, a seat element for said by-passvalve including a by-pass valveincluding a by-passage from the cylinder, said seat element includingoppos-' ing seats, a spring normally maintaining said valveagainst theinner seat, said seat element having air passageways entering theby-passage between the seats, the area of said passages being less thanthe area of the entrance to said valve for unseating the same from itsnormal seat, whereby it is necessary for solid grease pressure to beexerted against the valve to move the same from its inner seat to itsouter seat for closing the by-passage during normal pumping of grease.

23. In a'grease pump, a pumping cylinder, a pumping piston in saidcylinder, saidcylinder including inlet and outlet ports, valves forcontrolling the respective ports, said cylinder including a by-passagebetween the inlet and outlet ports, and a by-pass valve independent ofthe inlet and outlet valves for controlling said bypass, said valvesensitive for closing to solid grease pressure but non-sensitive forclosing to air pressure.

24. In a grease dispensing and measuring apparatus, a grease pump, acontainer for the grease,

a discharge line extending from said pump, a meter in said dischargeline, an air bypass extended from the discharge line in front of. themeter for bypassing any air delivered from said pump, and a valve insaid bypass maintained in open position when air'pressure is beingexerted thereagainst and seating under the force of grease. v

25. A dispensing and measuring apparatus for viscous substances such asgrease, comprising a container for the grease, a pump adapted to bemounted in said container, a discharge conduit extending from said pump,a meter in said discharge conduit, a discharge nozzle at the end of saiddischarge conduit, a fitting disposed in said discharge conduit andforming a part thereof between said pump and said meter, said fittinghaving a grease passageway therethrough of reduced size relative to thepump passageway and discharge conduit for forming .a restriction in thegreasedischarge conduit, a valve mounted in the discharge conduitbetween the pump and the meter adapted to unseat to solid greasepressure through the discharge conduit, a spring for seating said valveand imposing a resistance to the free flow of grease through thedischarge conduit upon actuation of said pump, and said fittingincluding an' air by-passage whereby air entrained in the stream 01'grease will be by-passed through said air bypassage because said valvecan only -be unseated by solid grease pressure flow, the reducedpassageway in the fitting causlng expulsion of air through theby-passage.

CLEO HARRIS. CLYDE G. BUTLER.

